{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "TouristAttraction", "name": "Iris Lodge Alpacas", "url": "https://www.irislodgealpacas.com", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "33 Dunks Lane Jilliby", "addressLocality": "Central Coast", "addressRegion": "NSW", "postalCode": "2259", "addressCountry": "AU" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": "-33.1234", "longitude": "151.1234" }, "telephone": "+61-467-950-470", }
top of page

Explore Our Sustainable Farming Practices at Iris Lodge Alpacas

Iris Lodge Alpacas Milestones Brainstorm.png

Tourism That Gives Back to Nature
Every visit supports eco-friendly practices at Iris Lodge Alpacas.

  • ✅ Carbon-negative through tree planting & regenerative farming

  • ✅ Solar-powered & rainwater harvesting

  • ✅ Waste-conscious: composting & recycling

  • ✅ Certified by Ecotourism Australia (record 2-week approval)

Discover the wonders of sustainable farming at Iris Lodge Alpacas. Our carbon-negative farm offers an eco-friendly sanctuary for nature and animal enthusiasts alike. Through innovative practices such as solar power, rainwater harvesting, and tree planting, we demonstrate our commitment to preserving the environment. Experience the harmony of ethical animal care and environmental stewardship firsthand. Join us in championing sustainable farming and making a positive impact on our planet.

✨ By visiting us, you help protect nature for future generations.

Our Sustainability Commitment

At Iris Lodge Alpacas, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to protecting the natural environment, caring for our animals ethically, and operating as a responsible tourism business that future generations can be proud of.

As a family-owned agritourism farm on the Central Coast of NSW, we recognise our responsibility to act as custodians of the land and its ecosystems. Our sustainability practices are guided by long-term thinking, ethical operations, and a desire to inspire others to live and travel more consciously.

Our Commitments

  • Animal Welfare First
    All animals at Iris Lodge Alpacas are beloved pets. We do not breed for commercial purposes, and no animals are sold, milked, or shorn for production. Our priority is their safety, wellbeing, and freedom to live naturally.

  • Low-Impact Operations
    We run our daily operations on solar power during daylight hours and capture thousands of litres of rainwater for reuse across the farm. These measures reduce our reliance on grid energy and municipal water systems.

  • Waste Reduction and Recycling
    All animal and food waste is composted on-site, and our experiences are designed to be low-waste. We avoid single-use plastics, use reusable utensils and crockery, and encourage responsible resource use.

  • Regenerative Land Management
    We manage our paddocks using rotational grazing, natural fertilisation, and erosion control to protect soil health. We also preserve native trees and provide safe habitats for local wildlife.

  • Inclusive, Responsible Tourism
    Sustainability also means accessibility. We are proud to offer inclusive experiences for guests of all abilities, including those with mobility, sensory, or neurodiverse needs.

  • Continuous Improvement
    We are Ecotourism Certified and continuously monitor and improve our practices. We also share our journey with guests to encourage broader awareness and action.

Looking Ahead

As we grow, we will continue to invest in new ways to reduce our environmental footprint—such as electric vehicle charging, sensory gardens, and sustainable guest experiences—while remaining true to our values of kindness, connection, and care for the earth.

Sustainability at Iris Lodge Alpacas is not just a practice—it’s a promise.

BP-Business-awards2-Alpacas-1024x683.jpg

Accepting the award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism at the 2025 Business NSW state awards

Our Story: A Journey of Sustainability and Conservation

Enhancing Nature, One Step at a Time

At Iris Lodge, our journey began with a commitment to sustainability, stewardship, and the restoration of our beautiful land. As former grazing land, our property lacked the lush greenery that supports thriving ecosystems. However, our dedication has led to remarkable transformations, making Iris Lodge a haven for both wildlife and nature enthusiasts.

Reviving the Land:

With a passion for conservation, we embarked on an ambitious journey of reforestation. Over 13,000 trees and grasses have been carefully planted to create vibrant habitats for wildlife to flourish. Our choice of trees has been intentional, aimed at providing essential shelter and sustenance for the critically endangered swift parrot. This endeavor has not only beautified our landscape but also contributed to the preservation of a precious species.

Protecting Our Waters: Caring for Jilliby Jilliby Creek

Fronting the serene Jilliby Jilliby Creek, we take our responsibility as stewards of the land seriously. Significant resources have been dedicated to erosion control measures, safeguarding the health of the creek, and ensuring its integral role in the local water catchment.

A Holistic Sustainable Approach:

Our commitment to sustainability is ingrained in every aspect of our operations:

  • Preserving Tree Diversity: We have upheld a policy of retaining all large trees, recognizing their vital role in the ecosystem.

  • Revitalizing the Land: Areas impacted by previous farming practices have undergone revegetation efforts, restoring their natural vitality.

  • Removing Invasive Species: Our land is continually cleared of invasive species, including the diligent removal of blackberry and lantana.

  • Community Collaboration: We actively participate in local Council recycling programs, contributing to a cleaner environment.

  • Harnessing Rainwater: Rainwater is thoughtfully collected and utilized, minimizing our ecological footprint.

  • Eco-Friendly Cleaning: Biodegradable cleaning agents are used, promoting a healthier ecosystem.

  • Wildlife Respect: We believe in allowing wildlife to thrive naturally, refraining from intentional feeding.

  • Solar-Powered Progress: We harness the power of solar energy, reducing our reliance on traditional power sources.

  • Energy efficiency: All energy inefficient appliances have been replaced with energy efficient appliances.

  • Rotational grazing: Our rotational grazing system ensures soil regeneration and prevents overgrazing.

  • Smart Chemical Use: Through innovative technology, our chemical usage has been reduced by an impressive 90%, minimizing environmental impact.

Green Purchasing Policy

Our green purchasing policy prioritises biodegradable and recyclable products with minimal packaging, locally made and produced items. All recurring purchases are sourced locally.

Join Us in Our Sustainable Journey

At Iris Lodge, our story is one of dedication, restoration, and harmony with nature. Every step we take is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability. As you explore our sanctuary, you become a part of this meaningful journey, embracing the beauty and vitality of our precious environment.

Carbon Sequestration

Sustainability is at the core of every business decision we make, including sequestering 100,000 kg of carbon through tree planting each year. We have moved beyond being carbon neutral to being carbon negative.

Ecotourism Certified

ECOTOURISM AUSTRALIA WELCOMES IRIS LODGE ALPACAS TO THE FAMILY

Posted by Jithmi Gammanpila on 10 August 2021

We are so excited to announce that Iris Lodge Alpacas, a tourism business for only 18 months, has successfully achieved ECO Certification at the Nature Tourism level. Well done! The lodge offers a great opportunity for guests to experience real life on a working farm. Guests can choose to have either a farm stay or a breakfast/afternoon tea with alpacas and can engage with day-to-day farm activities depending on their schedules and seasons. 

Eco-friendly composting system used to recycle organic waste

Meet Gingers Mum, one of our oldest alpacas, who thrives in our eco-friendly paddocks designed for animal welfare.

Lush regenerated pasture as a result of sustainable grazing practices

Learn More About Our Eco-Friendly Practices during your visit

bottom of page
BOOK NOW